The Dynastar M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN is a ski touring ski designed for advanced and expert skiers seeking a true balance between climbing performance and the joy of skiing on the descent. With an 88 mm waist width, it offers versatile performance, handling both groomed snow and light powder conditions with ease. Its construction and materials prioritize lightness without sacrificing edge precision, making it a reliable tool for skiers tackling consecutive ascents. Made in France, the M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN embodies a rigorous technical approach designed for mountain performance.

Intended Use and Ideal Terrain: Efficient Ascents and Controlled Descents

The M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN is designed for versatile ski touring. It’s intended for skiers who tackle varied terrain, alternating between groomed slopes, couloirs, and off-piste runs in fresh snow. Its 88 mm waist width provides sufficient float in light powder while maintaining responsive handling on hard snow. It is neither a competitive ski touring ski nor a pure freeride ski, but a tool capable of meeting the demands of challenging mixed terrain. Intermediate to expert skiers will find a ski that responds precisely without being unforgiving, thanks to a stiffness rating of 3 out of 5, which provides a good margin of error on the descent.

Dimensions and radius: a versatile geometry

For the standard 172 cm length, the M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN’s dimensions are 120/88/110 mm (tip, waist, tail), with a turn radius of 20 m. This intermediate radius allows for wide, progressive turns, well-suited to open terrain and steep slopes on ski tours. The wide 120 mm tip facilitates turn initiation and float in fresh snow, while the 110 mm tail provides solid support when exiting turns. This balanced geometry is ideal for skiers seeking predictable performance in changing conditions.

Profile and grip: tip rocker and sandwich construction

The M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN features a Tip Rocker profile—a moderate rocker at the tip that makes it easier to pivot on flat terrain and provides a smooth turn initiation. This profile reduces the effort needed to initiate a turn, which is particularly useful in rough terrain or heavy snow. The rest of the ski retains a classic camber that ensures grip and power transfer on hard snow. The Full Sidewall Sandwich construction, which wraps the core in a solid sidewall along its entire length, maximizes steering precision, balance, and power transferred to the edges—essential qualities for a ski designed for aggressive downhill touring.

Construction and Materials: Structured Lightweight Design for Ski Touring

The design of the M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN is based on a combination of complementary materials that meet the specific demands of ski touring. Here are the structural components and their specific benefits:

• Paulownia/PU Hybrid Core: Paulownia wood combined with polyurethane reduces weight by 15 to 20% compared to a traditional poplar core, making the ski lighter for the effort required on the ascent.
• Second-generation basalt fiber: mechanical properties comparable to fiberglass, with 25% less weight, and vibration-damping capabilities that enhance comfort on the descent.
• Unidirectional fiberglass: reinforces the longitudinal structure while minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing.
• Fiberglass Torsion Box: a vertical reinforcement that improves feel on the snow and overall comfort by absorbing terrain irregularities.
• Sintered HD Base: a high-density sintered base offering excellent glide in all snow conditions, with good wear resistance.

For an advanced or expert skier who enjoys backcountry touring on varied terrain, the Dynastar M-VERTICAL 88 OPEN is a solid choice: its 88 mm waist width, tip rocker profile, and sandwich construction meet the demands of serious all-mountain skiing, from steep couloirs to open slopes in powder. The available 156 cm length is suitable for lighter skiers or those who prioritize maneuverability on technical terrain.